US Medical Term · anatomy
Neutrophils
Neutrófilos
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Neutrophils |
| Spanish (Español) | Neutrófilos |
| Chinese (中文) | 嗜中性球 |
| Korean (한국어) | 중성구 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bạch cầu trung tính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Neutropil |
| Portuguese (Português) | Neutrófilos |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | นิวโทรฟิล |
| Japanese (日本語) | 好中球 |
What it means
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell, making up about 50 to 70 percent of all white blood cells. They are the immune system's first responders to bacterial infection and inflammation. When bacteria or fungi invade the body, neutrophils rush to the site, engulf the invaders, and destroy them. Neutrophils live for only hours to days. A low neutrophil count (called neutropenia) dramatically increases the risk of serious infection and is often a side effect of chemotherapy or certain medications. Doctors monitor neutrophil levels closely in cancer patients receiving treatment. A high neutrophil count usually signals a bacterial infection, tissue injury, or significant physical stress.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My neutrophil count dropped after chemotherapy and my doctor is watching for infection.
El conteo de neutrófilos bajó después de la quimioterapia y el médico está vigilando posibles infecciones.
The blood test showed high neutrophils — does that mean I have a bacterial infection?
El análisis de sangre mostró neutrófilos altos — ¿significa que tengo una infección bacteriana?
I was told my neutrophils are dangerously low and I need to avoid sick people.
Me dijeron que los neutrófilos están peligrosamente bajos y debo evitar a personas enfermas.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026